Spring/Summer 2017

IN THIS ISSUE: 2017 Safety Plow Rally ...................................Pages 3-4

Results of the Latest Employee Survey......Pages 9-10

The Plow Driver Experience ...................... Pages 11-12

On the NHDOT job for 61 Years ........................ Page 14

N e w H a m p s h i r e D e p a r t m e n t o f T r a n s p o r t a t i o n N e w s l e t t e r

Commissioner Sheehan Co

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’s C

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What a difference a week makes. This time last week I was wrapping up a long day spent surveying the damage caused by the storm the weekend of July 4. Reviewing the photographs of before and after repairs, it is

remarkable to think what has been accomplished since the heavy rains came through and left many NH residents and businesses cutoff.

I want to thank each and every NHDOT employee who helped to respond to this event, especially those of you who worked long days and nights, including the July 4 holiday.

At Bureau Days and District Safety Days, we in the front office try to take the opportunity to thank you all personally for the hard work and dedication you demonstrate each and every day, but especially during storms and other major incidents. Director of Operations Dave Rodrigue, Deputy Commissioner Chris Waszczuk, Assistant Commissioner Bill Cass and I, had the opportunity to meet many of you as you responded to the storm, but unfortunately we didn’t make it all locations.

Our role is to get you the resources you need to be successful, but our job is made much easier when you continue to do outstanding work and show that we are an efficient agency that can be counted on to do whatever is necessary to maintain mobility and keep visitors and residents moving.

In the public sector we don’t always receive a lot of positive feedback. However looking at the comments on our Facebook page and other social media sites, it is refreshing to see the positive comments concerning our storm response.

I am always proud to be part of NHDOT, but to see how much our customers valued your efforts made me extremely pleased. On behalf of everyone in the front office, I want to express a heartfelt thank you! No matter what Mother Nature throws at us next, I know we stand ready and willing to respond.

Recovery from Severe Storm Damage was “Remarkable”

Photos taken on July 3rd and July 9th show the extent of the storm damage on one section of NH Route 25A in Orford, and the rebuilding effort by District 2 crews at that washout location after just six days. An estimated 350 dump trucks loads of gravel and stone were needed to fill the hole.

1

Fifteen years after it was built and opened for business, the Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighting (ARFF) facility in Concord is once again operating at its full potential and giving firefighters from across the New England regional vital practice in battling a potentially serious airplane incident.

Major upgrades to the ARFF training facility have been completed, thanks to a $360,000 grant from the Federal Aviation Administration which was doggedly pursued by the NHDOT’s Aeronautics Bureau.

From an “Award of Excellence” presented in September 2016 by the NH Fire Standards and Training Commission: “Despite there being no direct benefit to the Bureau of Aeronautics, they (Patrick Herlihy, Tricia Lambert, Carol Niewola, and Rita Hunt) came to the aid of the NH Fire Academy for the sake of helping to ensure that airport firefighters would be able to receive the best training possible.”

The ARFF training facility has a fuel spill live fire training simulator, as well as a Specialized Aircraft Fire Trainer for realistic training on flight deck, cabin, cargo, wheel/brake, wing engine, tail engine, and electrical equipment bay fires.

“It’s fantastic,” says Carl Braley, Assistant Director of Operations and Facilities at Manchester-Boston Regional Airport. “We appreciate it being local and it makes it so much easier for specific training needed annually.”

“You have to practice how you play,” says Captain Laurie Miller, who manages the ARFF facility for the NH Department of Safety. “Eventually you’re going to have to put flames out and understand what it takes.”

The ARFF renovations included significant computer and equipment improvements, as well as gas sensing devices for additional safety.

Flame On!

Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighting Facility Once Again Providing Valuable Training

“It’s invaluable training

for our firefighters,”

said Andrew Pomeroy,

Operations Manager

at Portsmouth

International Airport

at Pease. “There is no

other way to get that

kind of experience

in a controlled

environment. They

know what to expect,

because they’ve seen it.”

Firefighters from Logan International Airport in Boston get valuable training at the Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighting facility in Concord in May 2017.

2

Four years after he was a member of the winning team from the Mechanical Services Bureau, Ben Gelinas did it again. Representing the truck shop, Gelinas and Austin Chicoine were the overall winners in the 40th Annual NHDOT Safety Plow Rally hosted by District 3 that took place on May 11th at the Sandwich Fairgrounds. Gelinas and Chicoine also won the Wing Slalom and Texas Roll events on their way to top honors.

Another top finisher from the 2013 Plow Rally was Fred Wallace, who repeated a Second Place finish in 2017 on a separate District 6 team with Brad Bartlett.

Third Place overall honors went to the District 2 team of Crystal Eastman and Doug Wright, the first husband and wife team to ever compete in a NHDOT Safety Plow Rally.

Mechanical Services Team

40thNHDOT SAFETY PLOW RALLY

Wins

Annual

From Plow Rally Chairman

Gary Clifford: “Thanks to guests,

family members, and District 3

Staff, especially Maintenance

Supervisors Roger Lamontagne

and Todd Nason, Highway

Patrol Foreman Mike Eldridge

and his crew, Bryan Peasley,

Dave Silvia, George Gubitose,

Robin Davis and Mike Kimball

for the tasty lunch, Tammy

Towle for the invitations, Diane

Malcolm and Kristen Ferreira for

scorekeeping.”

SAFETY QUIZDistrict 6PS607 Exeter, PS606 DoverFred Wallace, Driver - Brad Bartlett, Assistant

DEFECTIVE TRUCKTurnpikesCentral Turnpike Joe Duchemin, Driver - Louie Lemerise, Assistant

PLOW MOUNTDistrict 3PS315 AltonJeremy Decker, Driver - Shawn Cullen, Assistant

WING SLALOMMechanical ServicesTruck ShopAustin Chicoine, Driver - Ben Gelinas, Assistant

3

TEXAS ROLLMechanical ServicesTruck ShopAustin Chicoine, Driver - Ben Gelinas, Assistant

OVERALL WINNING TEAMS1st Place - Mechanical ServicesTruck ShopAustin Chicoine, Driver - Ben Gelinas, Assistant

2nd Place - District 6PS607 Exeter, PS606 DoverFred Wallace, Driver - Brad Bartlett, Assistant

3rd Place - District 2PS205 Canaan, PS207 LebanonCrystal Eastman, Driver - Doug Wright, Assistant

LOGO DESIGN1st Place- District 2 PS206 BristolMark Avery, Highway Patrol Foreman

INNOVATIONS1st Place - Plow Mount Safety Alignment Guide (SAG)District 4 - PS413 RindgeDesigned by: Bruce Crowell, Wayne St. Laurent and Glenn SmithFabricated by: Wayne St. LaurentUsed by: District 4 PS413 Rindge Crew

2nd Place - Welding Tank Carrier and BracketDistrict 5- PS504 HennikerDesigned by: Terry MonaghanFabricated by: Terry Monaghan, Mark Mooshian and Rich LucierUsed by: PS504 Henniker Crew

3rd Place - Chip Box with a Work PlatformDistrict 5 - PS505 BowDesigned by: Darryl Peasley and Adam Dow with PS505 crew inputFabricated by: PS505 Crew, Adam Dow and Scott MagoonUsed by: PS505 Crew

4

It’s never previously gotten a lot of attention, but it’s easy to understand that soil along many of New Hampshire’s highways is less than pristine. It would only make sense that decades of vehicles use would result in a certain amount of particulates from vehicle exhaust, oil, brake pads, gasoline and asphalt residue making their way to the sides of the roads.

Contaminants that can result from incomplete combustion are a regulated compound called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The breakdown of petroleum-based asphalt roads can also contribute to PAH levels in soil. We are also exposed to PAHs in our daily lives with cooking and through the use of fireplaces and wood stoves.

In recent years, the New Hampshire Department of Transportation has begun to take a closer look at the proper handling and use of what is known as limited reuse soil (LRS), roadside soil that may contain elevated concentrations of PAHs.

The NHDOT began looking at LRS around 2009 in the Operations Division. Testing by Turnpikes and Highway Maintenance followed two years later.

The NHDOT received a waiver from NHDES that allows the DOT to use LRS related to street waste within the general roadway area with some environmental restrictions. This will allow this soil to remain where it originates rather than disposing it outside of the roadway.

According to Nikki Roy, an environmental consultant with Golder Associates, some states require a complete landfilling of street waste, and a few states have policies that limit how the material is used. New Hampshire’s approach provides opportunities to minimize public risk and save money.

Operations have been dealing with LRS the last couple years - retaining and stockpiling at DOT shed and pits.

Paying closer attention to limited reuse soils is now being extended to NHDOT construction projects. Beginning with contracts advertised after April 30, 2017, NHDOT projects will have a soil management plan that addresses limited reuse soils. That plan will review where soil collected on the project will be stockpiled and where it can be reused.

From a Commissioners memorandum to NHDOT Bureau Administrators and project managers, “LRS will include all topsoil within the limits of the existing right-of-way, regardless of its depth. In those instances where there is no measurable topsoil, LRS will be measured from the top of ground to a depth of six inches.”

All limited reuse soil required to be managed during construction is expected to be reused on the project, subject to the soil management plan.

“We’re trying to minimize risks associated with limited reuse soils, while meeting the mission of the Department,” Dale O’Connell says.

In this Case “Limited Reuse Soils”

“We started making

comparisons to other states

and working with the New

Hampshire Department of

Environmental Services to

make sure we are handling

soil from street waste

appropriately,” says Dale

O’Connell, Contamination

Program Manager for the

NHDOT’s Environment

Bureau. “That includes

street sweepings, catch

basin cleanouts and

ditching material.”

Let’s Talk Dirt

5

Geotechnical engineers Noah Chinburg and Kyle Ashe (pictured

below) from the NHDOT’s Materials and Research Bureau conduct

testing of the clay soils underlying embankments built as a part of the

Spaulding Turnpike improvement project in Dover. Data from these

tests and other instruments are used to evaluate embankment stability

throughout construction.

(Photo by John Woodward)

Materials and Research Bureau

engineers, including Aaron Smart,

(bottom photo) held a geotechnical

test boring demonstration on the

art of drilling and sampling for

civil engineering students at the

University of New Hampshire. The

annual demonstration at UNH is

quite popular with students.

From UNH Professor of

Engineering Jean Benoit: “I wanted

to thank you all for coming to the site and instructing the students on

the art of drilling and sampling. I really appreciate all the help we get

from the DOT with our academic mission. I would also like you to thank

Woody and the drill crew for being so helpful and making this a great

experience for everyone.”

Materials and Research Bureau - in the field and the “classroom”…

District One Introduces Cane for “Elder in the Workplace

There’s a new tradition in District One that recognizes the most senior employee in the NHDOT’s northern-most maintenance district.

The “NHDOT District One Cane” is the idea of Maintenance Supervisor John Paul-Hilliard. The cane “represents a measure of respect to those possessing the earliest birthright among our work group.” The bearer of the cane “shall post it conspicuously with pride at their work station until such time that they leave employment and relinquish it to the next employee of distinction.”

The District One Cane mirrors the tradition of the famous Boston Post Cane, which was first issued in the early 1900’s to the oldest resident in towns across New England, and passed along to succeeding elders.

This cane belonged to a local doctor in Lincoln. “With the assistance of the 115 Lincoln crew painting it, I lettered it using my own materials,” John Paul-Hilliard said. Each recipient gets his or her initials on the cane as part of the permanent record. The first recipient of the District One Cane is Dennis Croteau, Engineering Tech IV who retired at the end of April. Dennis (left) is pictured with John Paul-Hilliard.

6

Out of sight to motorists, culvert replacement work at two locations on Interstate 393 is part of a pavement rehabilitation project over the full length of I-393 in Concord and Pembroke. The replacements of a 54-inch pipe and a 48-inch pipe were done using two different approaches - “pipe jacking” and “pipe ramming.” The project also includes the deck patching of three bridges - the Portsmouth Street, Soucook River, and Horse Corner Road bridges. Weaver Brothers Construction of Bow, NH is the contractor for the $10.65 million project, which is scheduled to be completed in October 2017. Pictured above is Ashok Kakadia, the Construction Bureau’s contract administrator on the project.

There’s still no complete substitute for human knowledge and experience, but the NHDOT continues to add technology tools to assist with winter maintenance operations.

This effort was highlighted in a special report (“Icy Information”) by WMUR TV news reporter Adam Sexton that aired in late February.

“Department of Transportation officials said they don’t rely just on forecasts to know when to send out the plows,” Sexton said in his report. “They also use an array of sensors around the state to provide real-time data on pavement conditions.”

State Highway Maintenance Engineer Caleb Dobbins and Communications Specialist Lee Savary were interviewed for the report. Lee explained how Road Weather Information System (RWIS) stations positioned across the state provide valuable information, including air and pavement temperatures. Caleb showed how the data is used as part of the decision making at the Department’s Transportation Management Center.

“The conditions are monitored in the Transportation Management Center, the nerve center for hundreds of plows and road crews around the state. Sensor data is tracked, and workers control the message displayed on boards along the highways, providing drivers with general updates about road conditions.”

Winter WorkUnder an Interstate Highway

Highlighting the Use of Technology in Winter Maintenance Operations

7

It began as a mid-March Nor’easter that would dump 18 to 24 inches of snow in many parts of New Hampshire.

But the day-long blizzard that crossed the state on March 14 also brought high winds that downed trees and power lines. Particularly hard hit was an area in Tuftonboro and Moultonborough, where sustained winds at one point were estimated at 50 to 60 MPH. Trees, power lines, and utility poles crashed down onto NH Routes 109, 109A and 171 after dark, knocking out power and trapping residents and one NHDOT plow truck.

District 3 Maintenance Supervisor Todd Nason responded as the havoc unfolded, scrambling crew members with chainsaws and bucket loaders to work to clear the roads. The worst stretch was a ten mile section of road that was closed on Route 109.

The devastation was “just amazing,” Todd says. “It was close to the kind of damage caused when the tornado went through this area (in 2008). There were two clusters on Route 109 of about a quarter mile each that were just one tree down after another. There were 38 broken utility poles on Route 109 alone, and a total of 160 mostly pine trees.”

Working with a New Hampshire Electric Cooperative utility crew, “We started cutting through the debris at about 11:30 that night,” Todd Nason says. “The utility crew would cut the trees off the wires from a bucket truck, and bucket loader operator Tim Hubley would push the trees off the sides of the road. Then we would make our way to the next tree.”

“Maintenance crews worked hard throughout the storm, even as power went out at their some of their own homes nearby,” says District 3 Engineer Alan Hanscom.

By 2:00 pm on Wednesday (March 15), all state roads were open, allowing the utility companies to work to restore power. The cleanup work began a few days later in cold temperatures. On one day alone, Todd Nason estimates 40 loads of downed trees and brush were cut up, loaded, and hauled away.

“Every patrol facility of the east side of District 3 was involved in the response and recovery effort,” Nason says. This included crews from 311 (Tuftonboro), 305 (Moultonborough), 303 (Freedom), 312 (Wakefield), 302 (Tamworth), 301 (Conway), and 315 (Alton).

“Few of our projects happen with only one crew,” Alan Hanscom says. “They know that next time around it may be their own area that needs the help. They are coworkers and friends and we couldn’t get it done without their hard work and dedication during the worst weather conditions imaginable.”

District 3 Clears the Roads of Snow…

and Trees…and More Trees

Todd Nason

agrees. “To do

what they did in

a short period of

time. It was pretty

amazing to see.

They all put in a

good effort and

worked well

together.”

NHDOT Plow Truck Drivers Show What It’s Like Out There

8

The Results of the Latest NHDOT Employee Survey

Historical Average Employee Survey Scores by Year

The survey of NHDOT employees in the fall of 2016 had the highest overall score of the five employee surveys conducted since 2008. Close to half (46%) of all NHDOT employees responded to the latest survey.

“We are trending in a positive direction,” says Fran Buczynski, Director of Policy and Administration.

The largest increases since the previous survey taken two years ago were in morale and supervisor appreciation for the job being done. Also trending upward are “fair process for promotions” and “teamwork”. Among the areas of ongoing concern are training and communication.

“We are one of the most transparent agencies in New Hampshire state government,” Commissioner Victoria Sheehan said. “I am really pleased that feedback indicates good communication between supervisors and crews. That’s what really matters.”

2008

NHD

OT Al

l (10

72)

2010

NHD

OT Al

l (10

62)

2012

NHD

OT AL

L (89

4)

2014

NHD

OT AL

L (83

8)

2016

NHD

OT AL

L (81

2)

NHDO

T % Ch

ange

(‘14-

’16)

NHDO

T %Ch

ange

(‘08-

’16)

4a I have a clear understanding of the mission of NHDOT. 3.9 4.1 4.1 4.1 4.1 -1% 4%

4b NHDOT supports us, the employees, in our mission. 3.4 3.6 3.6 3.7 3.7 NC 9%

4c Overall, NHDOT is interested in the welfare of its employees. 3.2 3.7 3.6 3.7 3.7 -1% 14%

4d What I do contributes to the mission of NHDOT. 4.1 4.2 4.2 4.2 4.2 -1% 2%

4e Working at NHDOT encourages me to be the best employee I can be. 3.5 3.7 3.6 3.7 3.7 1% 6%

4f There is effective communication at all levels within NHDOT. 2.4 2.6 2.6 2.7 2.6 -4% 10%

4g I have received sufficient training to do my job well. 3.8 3.7 3.7 3.7 3.7 -1% -2%

4h Ongoing training is a priority with NHDOT. 3.7 3.6 3.4 3.6 3.5 -2% -6%

4i The training and development opportunities that I receive help me be considered for future opportunities within NHDOT. 3.4 3.4 3.2 3.4 3.3 -2% -2%

4j There is a fair process for promotions at NHDOT. 2.9 3.1 3.0 3.2 3.2 NC 10%

2008

NHD

OT Al

l (10

72)

2010

NHD

OT Al

l (10

62)

2012

NHD

OT AL

L (89

4)

2014

NHD

OT AL

L (83

8)

2016

NHD

OT AL

L (81

2)

NHDO

T % Ch

ange

(‘14-

’16)

NHDO

T %Ch

ange

(‘08-

’16)

The survey answers range from a low of 1, to a high of 5. The Green indicates the highest score for that question across the 5 surveys. The Red indicates the lowest score for that question across the 5 surveys.

Overall Average (all questions) 3.7 3.8 3.8 3.8 3.8 NC 5%

Organization, Training & Development Average 3.4 3.6 3.5 3.6 3.6 -1% 4%

Individual Job Satisfaction Average 3.7 3.8 3.7 3.8 3.8 NC 4%

Coworkers/Teamwork Average 3.5 3.6 3.6 3.7 3.7 1% 4%

Employee Management Relations Average 3.7 3.9 3.9 3.9 4.0 2% 6%

Safety Average 4.0 4.2 4.2 4.2 4.2 -1% 5%

Mission Alignment Index (questions: 4a & 4d) 81% 83% 83% 84% 83%

9

6a I have enough resources (people, equipment, tools, etc.) to do my job well. 3.0 3.4 3.3 3.3 3.3 -1% 9%

6b I am involved in making decisions that affect my job. 3.3 3.6 3.5 3.6 3.6 1% 8%

6c I enjoy the work I do. 4.2 4.3 4.3 4.2 4.2 -1% NC

6d I take pride in my work. 4.6 4.6 4.6 4.6 4.6 NC NC

6e I would recommend working at NHDOT. 3.7 4.0 3.7 3.9 3.8 -1% 3%

6f I am appreciated for the work that I do. 3.4 3.6 3.5 3.6 3.7 2% 9%

6g I have made or want to make NHDOT my career. 4.1 4.1 4.0 4.1 4.0 -2% -2%

6h Compared to two years ago, my personal morale is higher now. 3.0 3.2 2.9 3.2 3.2 1% 6%

8a My work unit works well together. 3.9 3.9 3.9 3.9 3.9 -1% 1%

8b The direct supervisor of our work unit provides good leadership. 3.6 3.8 3.7 3.8 3.9 4% 8%

8c Overall, I think employees recommend solutions rather than make criticisms. 3.4 3.4 3.5 3.5 3.5 -1% 4%

8d Within my work unit, I believe that policies are administered consistently. 3.5 3.6 3.6 3.7 3.7 1% 7%

8e The members of my work unit treat each other respectfully. 3.8 3.8 3.8 3.9 3.9 1% 4%

8f I get the information that I need to work effectively with other work units. 3.4 3.6 3.6 3.6 3.6 NC 6%

8g I trust my coworkers. 3.7 3.7 3.7 3.8 3.8 1% 2%

8h There is a strong work ethic within my work unit. 3.7 3.7 3.8 3.8 3.8 NC 3%

8i Morale within my work unit is high. 3.1 3.3 3.2 3.3 3.4 4% 9%

8j The direct supervisor of our work unit shows appreciation for work well done. 3.7 3.9 3.8 3.8 4.0 4% 8%

8k Communication within my work unit is effective. 3.4 3.5 3.6 3.6 3.6 1% 5%

10a Within my work unit, my direct supervisor listens to employees. 3.7 3.9 3.9 3.9 4.0 2% 7%

10b Within my work unit, my direct supervisor responds appropriately to employees. 3.6 3.8 3.8 3.8 3.9 2% 8%

10c My supervisor understands my job function. 4.1 4.1 4.1 4.1 4.1 NC 1%

10d The expectations of my job are clear to me. 4.1 4.2 4.1 4.1 4.1 NC NC

10e My supervisor acknowledges when I do a good job. 3.8 3.9 3.9 3.9 4.0 3% 7%

10f  I am encouraged to present my ideas at work. 3.6 3.8 3.8 3.8 3.9 3% 8%

10g I receive constructive feedback from my supervisor. 3.6 3.8 3.7 3.8 3.9 3% 8%

10h I have confidence in the judgment of my direct supervisor. 3.8 3.9 3.8 3.9 4.0 4% 6%

10i My supervisor treats me with respect. 3.9 4.1 4.0 4.1 4.2 3% 7%

10j When I have a problem/concern I can go to my direct supervisor. 3.9 4.1 4.0 4.0 4.1 1% 5%

10k When appropriate, I am informed by my supervisor about changes that affect my work before the changes happen. 3.5 3.7 3.7 3.7 3.8 2% 9%

11a Safety is a priority at NHDOT. 4.1 4.3 4.2 4.3 4.3 NC 4%

11b I have seen continuous improvement in safety. 3.5 3.9 3.9 4.0 3.8 -5% 9%

11c I do my work safely at NHDOT. 4.4 4.4 4.5 4.5 4.4 -1% NC

11d I look out for the safety of my co-workers. 4.5 4.5 4.6 4.5 4.5 NC NC

11e Established safety procedures are followed by Supervisors and Managers. 3.9 4.1 4.1 4.2 4.2 1% 8%

11f When I bring up a safety issue it’s taken seriously. 3.6 3.9 4.0 4.1 4.0 -1% 11%

2008

NHD

OT Al

l (10

72)

2010

NHD

OT Al

l (10

62)

2012

NHD

OT AL

L (89

4)

2014

NHD

OT AL

L (83

8)

2016

NHD

OT AL

L (81

2)

NHDO

T % Ch

ange

(‘14-

’16)

NHDO

T %Ch

ange

(‘08-

’16)

10

Riding with NHDOT plow truck operators will give you a deep appreciation for what they do all winter long in the most difficult weather conditions to clear roads of snow and ice to make them safe for New Hampshire motorists. Whether it was a videographer from WMUR’s “New Hampshire Chronicle” on Route 101 in Temple, the Concord Monitor on Route 3 in Tilton, or NHDOT Commissioners and Directors on I-93 and I-95, the conclusion was the same

– it’s a tough job performed by dedicated employees who take great pride in their work. Here are some views and comments from the winter of 2017.

Sharing a Ride:NHDOT Plow Truck Drivers Show What It’s Like Out There

“You have to take a certain pride in your work. You want the road to

look like your family’s driveway.”

“Taking care of the road. Making it safe for people – It’s a lot of fun.”

“It’s a tiring job and not meant for the faint of heart.”

“Plow drivers follow specific guidelines about when to treat and when

to plow.”

“You have to be able to multi-task out here – watching for passing cars

and winding roads, all while operating a main plow and a wing, and

put down salt and sand when needed.”

“There’s a lot of buttons and levers. Once you get used to it, it’s pretty

simple.”

“Sometimes it makes you want to tear your hair out, the way people

act (on the roads). I hear people with criticism, and I invite them to

come try it.”

“The big thing we always say is don’t crowd the plow. Give us plenty of

room to do our work.”

“This section of road (NH 101 - Temple) is just notorious for weather.

This can be an extremely tricky stretch of road because of corners.”

11

“When you hear (the meteorologist) say it’s snowing two inches an

hour, and it takes our trucks two hours or more to do that road, you

do the math and you may find four inches of snow on that road you’re

driving on.”

“One of the biggest challenges plow drivers face are people on the

roads and drivers getting too close.”

“It gets kind of scary when people try to pass you here with a tractor

trailer in the other lane.”

“People can get cranky when they miss a night of sleep. It’s hard if you

haven’t seen your family in a while.”

“It can be tough, it can be long. You could be out here for a couple of

days, depending on the storm.”

“The sooner I can do my job, the sooner the roads get cleared.”

“I guess it’s man against nature. Mother Nature put it there, she’ll take it

away eventually. I’m just there to assist and help hurry the process.”

Photo ID’s for these plow drivers….

Steve Huckins (District 3 – Tilton #313), Adam Dunning (District 4 – Temple #414), Scott Blaisdell (Turnpikes – Hampton), Steve Hallee (Turnpikes – Hooksett)

12

The project to replace a deteriorated metal culvert on Walnut Avenue in North Hampton was supposed to take place during the summer of 2017.

That timetable changed when the culvert failed and the road was closed to traffic on December 6, 2016.

The good news was a contractor for the project had already been selected. With the cooperation of the town and utility companies, the project was fast-tracked by the NHDOT. Working through winter weather, a new pre-cast concrete box culvert was put in place. District 6 forces put down temporary pavement and the road was re-opened to traffic exactly three months later on March 6, 2017. Final finishing work is taking place this spring.

According to District Construction Engineer Nickie Hunter, the contractor, T. Buck Construction, “did a great job coordinating with the utilities, the precast supplier, etc., and accelerated the work under less than desirable winter conditions.”

The Construction Bureau’s John Hall was the contract administrator for the $496,000 project.

The Construction Bureau’s John Hall (left) and

Alex Brenneman go over some

details of soils acceptance testing

on the backfill of the North

Hampton culvert replacement

project.

Failed Culvert Replacement Project in North Hampton

13

A Link to the Past at the Sewalls Falls Bridge in Concord

A s part of the NHDOT’s commitment to preserving some of the previous Sewalls Falls Bridge in Concord, a small “pocket park” was built with some of the old truss bridge members. The park features a plaque that was on the original bridge showing the date constructed. Two granite blocks to sit on were part of the original bridge abutments. According to NHDOT project manager Tom Jameson (Planning & Community Assistance), historic panels that describe the truss bridge will be installed this summer.

M ike Ball remembers his pay increase when he went to work at age 20 on a sign crew for the NH Highway Department in 1956. It went from 90 cents to $1.17 an hour. He’s been getting a paycheck from the State of New Hampshire every year since!

Mike’s incredible run of 61 years of State service included 16 years as a District Sign Supervisor in southwest New Hampshire and many years as a Maintenance Supervisor for what is now District 4. Since his retirement as a full-time employee in 1993, he has worked every winter for District 4 as a part-time winter dispatcher for maintenance operations.

“I just like it. It’s been fun. It’s something to do,” Mike says unassumingly.

It’s only a three mile ride for Mike Ball from his home in West Swanzey for the 4:00 pm to Midnight shift three days a week. His job often requires him to roust crews out of bed in the middle of the night for plowing operations. He remembers when the District Office was on the third floor of a Sears and Roebuck store in downtown Keene.

One story Mike vividly recalls was his early service on the back of a plow truck. His job was to push the salt out the back tailgate by hand when the driver blew his horn.

“One day I was on the back of the truck and the driver started to raise the dump bed. The top layer of salt slid off and I went with it right off the back of the truck and into a pile in the middle of the road. I got up and ran down the road, chasing the truck, and banged on the door to get the driver’s attention.”

Mike Ball has seen a lot of changes since 1956, when Eisenhower was looking to run for a second term as President, a guy named Elvis Presley hit the charts with “Heartbreak Hotel,” and the Highway Department’s Commissioner was John O. Morton.

“It’s a lot different now with the technology. Back then, if ice started forming on your truck’s side mirror, you knew it was time to start salting.”

Just don’t ask Mike Ball about retirement. He has no plans to stay home willingly.

“As long as they want me, I’ll come around,” Mike says. “If they don’t want me, I’ll stay home.”

He doesn’t have to worry.

“As long as Mike remains interested in being a part of District 4, we will always have 3 or 4 dispatching slots available for him,” John Kallfelz says.

On the Job at the NHDOT…for 61 Years!

“Mike has some

great stories,” says

District 4 Engineer

John Kallfelz. “It’s fun

getting him going

and hearing what

comes out next.”

14

NHDOT PeopleLennart Suther (Highway Design) was recognized for 25 years of NHDOT service at the May major staff meeting. Lennart is a Supervisor in the Design Services Section.

District 3 Patrol Foreman Tim Landry (Loudon #316) has retired with 38 years of State service. Tim worked his entire NHDOT career in the Loudon 316 patrol section, serving as foreman for over 28 years!

Michelle Marshall (Highway Design) was recognized for 25 years of State service at the June major staff meeting. Michelle is the State Highway Safety Engineer.

Daniel John has marked 30 years of State service with the NHDOT. Daniel is a Materials Field Technician in the Soils/Concrete Section of the Materials & Research Bureau.

Jeffrey Lewis (Turnpikes) was recognized for 30 years of State service at the February major staff meeting. Jeff is a Toll Station Shift Leader at the Rochester Tolls.

Julie Matthews, a Traffic Operations Engineer at the Traffic Bureau, was recognized for 25 years of State service at the February major staff meeting.

Bob Davis retired February 23rd after 42 years with the NH Department of Transportation, all in the Highway Design Bureau. The Final Design Team Leader began as an Engineering Aide in the Survey Section in 1974.

Bob was recognized at a reception in his honor for his long commitment to safety for the traveling public in such areas as guardrail and signs.

Robert Talon (Right-of-Way) received a “Surveying Excellence Award” at the annual meeting of the New Hampshire Land Surveyors Association “In recognition of your outstanding contributions and dedication to the surveying profession.”

Dennis Ford, Maintenance Supervisor in District 2, was recognized for 35 years of State service at the April major staff meeting.

Kevin Flanagan, Assistant Patrol Foreman at the Temple Patrol Facility (#414), has marked 30 years of State service with the NHDOT, all in District 4.

15

Service Awards10 Years:Christopher N. Bahara - District 2

Alan F. Delmastro - Mechanical Services

Courtney L. Nolan - Mechanical Services

Brian T. Wright - District 4

Clayton M. Green - District 2

Paul C. Eames - District 6

Karen A. Buono - District 4

Brian A. Desfosses - District 5

Jonathan R. Bradstreet - Const/Engineering Audit

Matthew G. Leblanc - District 5

Christopher J. Tsoukalas - Turnpikes

Frederick S. Gilbert - District 1

Calvin D. Dupuis - District 1

Adam M. Dunning - District 4

15 Years:Howard G. Wadleigh - District 6

Thomas G. Santos - Highway Design

Daniel D. Plourde - Traffic

Gary L. MacDonald - Mechanical Services

Michael A. Hughes - District 1

Stephen A. Bernard - Right-Of-Way

Mark L. Moran - Const/Engineering Audit

Matthew D. Lampron - Const/Engineering Audit

Debbra M. Matteau - Mechanical Services

James A. Downs - Const/Engineering Audit

Diane M. Malcolm - Fuel Distribution

Janelle N. Marquez - TSMO

20 Years:Christopher S. White - Const/Engineering Audit

Ernest C. Ball - District 5

James W. Fortin - District 1

Douglas R. Penney - Right-Of-Way

Adam J. White - Mechanical Services

Matthew S. Jordan - District 2

Glenn W. Perry - District 1

George R. Gubitose - District 3

Daniel N. Caouette - Const/Engineering Audit

Kevin C. Dunbar - Const/Engineering Audit

Jason A. Tremblay - Bridge Design

Ronald L. Kleiner Jr - Bridge Design

25 Years:John E. Hills - Highway Design

Felix E. Gardner Jr - District 6

Mark G. Wagner - Bridge Design

Lennart D. Suther - Highway Design

Ted S. Rowland - Turnpikes

James W. Grant - Highway Design

Gary W. Labrie - Highway Design

Kevin B. O’Neil - Turnpikes

Rollin W. Rumford - District 6

Gordon E. Nason - District 3

Michelle E. Marshall - Highway Design

Susan M. Guptill - Bridge Design

30 Years:Kevin J. Flanagan - District 4

Robert P. Havey - Traffic

Pauline G. Marcoux - Turnpikes

Craig S. Belyea - District 2

Joseph D. Whitten Jr - District 6

Scott F. Myers - Materials & Research

Scott W. Carlson - Const/Engineering Audit

Peter M. Kehoe - Const/Engineering Audit

Mark E. Stevens - District 3

Jay S. Levine - Const/Engineering Audit

John D. Butler - Highway Design

John D. Seely - Constr/Engineering Audit

Peter J. George - District 6

Michael S. Soper - Planning & Comm Assistance

David N. Bernier - Traffic

Daniel E. John - Materials & Research

16

Personnel Updates

New Hires:

Craig C. Cashman - District 4, Crew 12

Joshua A. Duguid - District 2, Crew 24

Brent W. Desnoyers - District 2, Crew 10

Alexander M. Dodier - District 6, Crew 10

Jeffrey N. Broe - District 1, Crew 8

Aaron S. Bickford - Tpk-Rochester-Maintenance

Bryan K. Webb - District 6, Crew 12

Andrew P. Rawson - District 6, Crew 3

Robert E. Legendre - Tpk-Hooksett Maintenance

Brian P. Metro - District 5, Crew 16

Geoff S. Davis - District 4, Crew 12

Bruce B. Crowell - District 4, Crew 13

Cynthia A. Sullivan - Right Of Way

Shawn M. Shattuck - Mechanical Div-Concord

Joshua A. Smart - District 3, Crew 11

Keith A. Atkins - District 4, Crew 10

Eric S. Crane - District 1, Crew 22

Michael C. Colby Sr - District 3, Crew 13

Adam A. Plumb - District 2, Crew 15

Joshua J. Narrow - District 1, Crew 15

David J. Marshall Sr - District 1, Crew 11

Michael W. Allen - Mechanical Div-No Hampton

Kevin J. Travers - District 1, Crew 25

Denis J. Bright - Commissioner’s Office

Spencer L. Burbank - District 5, Crew 25

Jeffrey W. Kelm - District 5, Crew 14

Robert A. Leighton Jr - District 5, Crew 14

Joshua A. St Laurent - District 4, Crew 15

Timothy M. Gagnier - District 4, Crew 1

Aaron C. Waterman - District 2, Crew 13

Promotions:

Bliss Magoon - Highway Maintainer III, District 3

James Merrill - Highway Maintainer III, District 6

Robert Clark - Brdg Constr Foreman, Brdg Maintenance

Brian Bilodeau - Tran Mgmt Comm Spec II, TSMO

Julie Mathews - Civil Engineer IV, Traffic

Matt Theriault - Highway Maintainer III, District 1

Natasha Field - Program Specialist I, Finance

Susan Hicks - Toll Shift Supervisor, Turnpikes

Aaron Janssen - Civil Engineer V, Bridge Design

John Poisson - Civil Engineer V, Bridge Design

James Eckert - Highway Maintainer III, District 3

Calvin Linden - Highway Maintainer III, District 3

Devon Reynolds - Brg Const Foreman, Brg Maintenance

Emily Gorsuch - Toll Shift Supervisor, Turnpikes

Wende Giorgi - Supervisor VII, Commissioner’s Office

Peter Lapierre - Program Specialist I, Traffic

Jason Aldrich - Construction Foreman, District 1

Scott Glover - Highway Maintainer III, District 6

Robert Piche - Highway Maintainer III, Turnpikes

Michael Drotar - Highway Maintainer III, Traffic

Clayton Green - Highway Patrol Foreman, District 2

Richard Lucier - Asst Hwy Patrol Foreman, District 5

Daniel Brennan - Highway Maintainer III, District 5

Nicholas Goulas - Civil Engineer VI, Bridge Design

Douglas Wright - Asst Hwy Patrol Foreman, District 2

Danielle Plant - Program Specialist IV, Aeronautics

Seth Beane - Brg Const Supt, Brg Maintenance

Retirees:

Robert Davis - Highway Design (42)

Susan Dean-Jones - Finance (39)

Robert Crevier - Highway Design (37)

Scott Stevenson - Construction/Engineering Audit (36)

Douglas Henry - District 2 (31)

Jeffrey Judd - District 1 (31)

Oscar Hill - District 2 (18)

17

LettersUSA

N E W S L E T T E R

NEW

HA

MPS

HIR

E DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATIO

N

Editor’s Note: A “Thank You” note sent to two District 4 crew members (407 Stoddard). Assistant Highway Patrol Foreman Raymond Castor and Highway Maintainer Benjamin Billings found a wallet and handed it over to the State Police.

Dear Department of Transportation…

For years, I have written a thank you note to the Department to say what an incredible job you do taking care of New Hampshire roads. I can close my eyes crossing the borders from other states and know by feel of the car that I am in NH. Through all sorts of weather, NH DOT is the best. So thank you again for being terrific ambassadors to this beautiful state. My friends in other states tease me, because I am always saying New Hampshire is the best at this or that, but the roads make the top of my 6 star list.

Gail Matthews Wilmot, NH

June 1, 2017

During this past winter, I drove Route 102 from Derry to Raymond twice a day to visit my husband in a nursing home. The road was cleared of snow during every storm in a very impressive way – plows working all the time to be sure the pavement was safe for driving. They plowed way back to make room for the next storm. I would like to give the crew responsible for this state road a big Hurrah and Thank You.

Sandra Grant Derry, NH

Editor’s Note: District 5’s #513 Patrol Facility based in Chester is responsible for maintaining NH Route 102 between Derry and Raymond.

May 24, 2017

We wanted to write to express our deepest gratitude and appreciation for hosting us on March 30th/31st to discuss New Hampshire’s Department of Transportation capital programming processes and best practices. The expertise and information you shared with us was extremely valuable. You all should be very proud of the work you are doing and software solution PROMIS you have developed. We greatly appreciate the time you and your co-workers took to prepare for the meeting, developing presentations, and for spending the time with us.

Heather Murphy Director, Office of Planning and Capital Programming Maryland Department of Transportation

Editor’s Note: The above letter was sent to Glenn Davison, Supervisor of Systems Planning in the Planning and Community Assistance Bureau.

April 6, 2017

Jim,

The signaling and pre-emption upgrades made for the Rte 16 bridge project seem to have worked. We are getting the bridge and southbound traffic cleared regularly and have not seen the problems we were having before. Thank you for your quick attention to this and thank the crew that worked overnight to change out signals and make this possible.

Sincerely, Stephen Solomon, Chief Conway Fire Department

Editor’s Note: The above letter was sent to NHDOT District Construction Engineer Jim Bowles. Traffic Bureau personnel were involved with the signal work.

18

Governor: Chris Sununu

Commissioner: Victoria Sheehan On the Move Editor: Bill Boynton

Layout and Design: L.J. Place

Committed to

Excellence, Safety,

Innovation, and

the Future...

www.nh.gov/dotCover photo - District 6 Patrol Foreman Brad Bartlett (#606 Dover) competes in the plow mount event at the 2017 NHDOT Safety Plow Rally. Bartlett and teammate Fred Wallace finished second in the overall competition.

The NHDOT received “The New Hampshire Outstanding Engineering Award” from the NH Chapter of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE-NH) for “I-93 Construction: Protecting Water Quality with Improved Stormwater Management Methods” The award recognizes “the project that best illustrates superior civil engineering skills.”

2017 Public Supervisor and Public Manager Program GraduatesSeveral NHDOT employees have completed the requirements of the New Hampshire

Certified Public Supervisors and Public Managers Programs. Graduation ceremonies for the class of 2017 were held on June 2nd in Concord. Welcoming remarks were given by Commissioner Victoria Sheehan.

Pictured left to right front row: Cassandra Burns (Highway Design), Ronald Crickard (Environment), Alicia Jipson (HR), Miiko Bradly (Finance), Matthew Blixt (Turnpikes), Trisha Gray (HR), Emilia Porter (Turnpikes), David Gray (Turnpikes), and Lauren Stromer (Finance). Left to right back row: Jillian Edelmann (Environment), Commissioner Sheehan, and Krista Robichaud (Highway Maintenance).

Graduates not pictured: Shaun Elliott (Turnpikes), David Gaylord (AMPS), Jennifer Reczek (Highway Design), Ann Scholz (M&R), and Noah Chinburg (M&R).

Students Compete in National Bridge Building CompetitionFuture bridge designers?

Student teams from Kearsarge High School presented and tested their balsa wood bridges at the TRAC (Transportation and Civil Engineering) national competition in Portland, Maine. Both teams placed 4th in the competition. There were about 100 applications submitted for the competition and 18 teams attended. Pictured with the teams from the NHDOT are Michelle Marshall (left), State Highway Safety Engineer, and (at right) Commissioner Victoria Sheehan.